Ravens’ Paul Kruger will appeal fine for pulling his jersey up too high

Posted by Michael David Smith on December 6, 2012, 3:35 PM EST

AP

Ravens linebacker Paul Kruger frequently wears his jersey tight and pulled up high, presumably because it makes it harder for opposing offensive linemen to grab it. But now that habit has proved costly for Kruger.

The NFL has fined Kruger $5,000 for violating the league’s uniform rules with the way he’s wearing his jersey, which exposes the back flap of his shoulder pads. Kruger said he was surprised that the fine letter came without anyone ever telling him that there was anything wrong with the way he wears his jersey.

“I’m going to appeal it,” Kruger told the Baltimore Sun. “I didn’t even get a warning about it. They just fined me.”

Kruger committed a more serious violation of the NFL’s rules on Sunday when he picked up a roughing the passer penalty for a hit on Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch, setting up the Steelers in field goal range. Kruger said the NFL hasn’t told him whether he’ll be fined for that hit.

To be honest, The first time I saw this I thought how is that not illegal. He probably knows its illegal, but he should have been granted a warning before a fine.

bh83 says:Dec 6, 2012 3:44 PM

I disagree with Kruger. Don’t the players have numbers for a reason? Most positions have a somewhat assigned range of numbers until they run out. Could also run into issues of eligible and ineligible and recievers.

branbosc says:Dec 6, 2012 3:44 PM

I’m pretty sure the uniform policy was his warning… Can’t blame him for trying though. It’s not like $5K is gonna break the guy…

He deserved a warning it is only fair. However he should get fined for an intentional late hit on C Batch. That was with intent to hurt him beyond a normal hit during a rush of the passer. Nata got away with one in an earlier series. I guess karma is catching up with Harbag and his boys…..priceless.

ravenator says:Dec 6, 2012 3:56 PM

Steelersownyou is still busy figuring out his team is not even in first place.

Explain this one to me, there is a guy who is paid to check for this stuff every week, right? So since Kruger has been wearing it EXACTLY like that for all 12 games, essentially that guy was wrong 11 out of 12 times, right? Folks go mess up in your respective line of work and let me know how that works out for ya.

If Kruger would just spend 20 minutes reading the NFL policies, rules and regulations then he would know that any altering of the uniform is illegal and unacceptable. Just because you didn’t read the rules doesn’t mean you should have to have someone warn you about it. $5000 seems appropriate, its going to charity anyway right?

I disagree with Kruger. Don’t the players have numbers for a reason? Most positions have a somewhat assigned range of numbers until they run out. Could also run into issues of eligible and ineligible and recievers.
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Numbers dont matter for the defense. No eligible or ineligible receivers there

The league hires former player, in each city to patrol the sidelines looking for uniform infractions.That official is to warn the player BEFORE the game starts, and the camera begins to roll,of any infraction. If there was no warning, there will be no fine on appeal. In Baltimore, former safety ,Bruce Laird is THAT guy!

Your correct Lawyermalloy, Bruce is that guy and on Monday when he joins the morning show on 105.7 I’m gonna call in and ask him about that lol

jdfrox says:Dec 6, 2012 8:16 PM

I like all the comments that he should just read the rule book. Guys push the envelope with the rules all the time. If it was a violation, he is right, the Guy that is paid to tell people about uniform violations (can you imagine if that was your job?), should have notified him during pregame workouts. Regardless, Kruger has stepped up and played well lately.

By the way, losing to Batch at home was inexcusable but give him and the Steelers credit, they stepped up and won the game. That does not mean the ravens suck though. For gods sake the steelers lost to the raiders! It happens boys. Especially in rivalry games. Kudos to the steelers for getting the job done and stealing one. Now the ravens need to get back to work and move on like they normally do following a loss.

Yes the ravens lost to the steelers but didn’t the steelers loose to the browns, raiders and titans…. Yea and the ravens stink

crusty14 says:Dec 6, 2012 8:33 PM

@jdfrox

Finally a ravens fan with some common sense! I agree totally with you. It’s a shame that most raven fans on here are more like ravenator, and less like you. I will add I know there are some obnoxious Steeler fans as well!

steel420 says:Dec 6, 2012 8:46 PM

He was penalized for a late hit, but he should have also been penalized for making contact with the Qb’s head. Fine him for both!